WILLIAM McPEAK was born February 7, 1841, on the farm in Cecil township where he is now living. He is a son of James McPeak, whose father was a native of Maryland, and in 1802 crosed the mountains, locating permanently in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn. James McPeak was born in 1800, in "The Glades," and when but two years of age was brought by his parents to a farm near Hickory, Penn. When a young man he was married to Jane Cochran, a native of North Strabane township, and in 1836 they settled on the farm where the remainder of their lives was passed. He was an active member of the Whig and Republican party, and held several township offices. He and his wife were formerly members of the Seceder Church at Noblestown, and afterward united with the U. P. Church at Venice. In 1851 he was elected a member of the Session, filling that position until his death, which event occurred in 1880, the mother being laid beside him in 1885. Their children were: Samuel, living in Mansfield, Penn.; William, of whom further mention is made; Sarah, wife of J. R. Dinsmore, Allegheny county, Penn.; Elizabeth, wife of D. L. McConnell, of Cecil township; David, living in Smith township; and Martha, wife of J. F. Mawhinney, of Cecil township. William McPeak remained on the home place during his boyhood, attending school in District No. 3, Cecil township. When the Civil war opened he became a member of the State Guards and was drafted in the first nine months' draft. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Abigail, daughter of Stewart and Nancy (Alexander) Hickman, all of whom were natives of South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn. The father died in 1874, in his native county; the mother is now residing in Canonsburg, Penn. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McPeak have resided on the old homestead, which contains 106 acres in a good state of cultivation. He is an active member of the Prohibition party, and is now serving his second term as township commissioner. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice. They have two children: S. J. and W. H.

Text taken from page 1173 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Julie Jolly of Knob Noster, MO as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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